Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Provides free LPG connections to women from below poverty line households.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship social welfare scheme launched by the Government of India on May 1, 2016, with the aim of providing free LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) households. The scheme aims to improve the health and well-being of women and their families by providing them with access to clean cooking fuel, thereby reducing their exposure to harmful indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods such as burning biomass and firewood.

### Objectives of PMUY:

1. **Clean Cooking Fuel Access**: To provide access to clean cooking fuel, specifically LPG, to households currently using traditional fuels like firewood, cow dung, and coal.

2. **Health Benefits**: To reduce indoor air pollution-related health hazards, especially respiratory diseases, among women and children.

3. **Empowerment of Women**: To empower women by improving their health, safety, and quality of life through access to clean cooking fuel, thereby enhancing their productivity and socio-economic status.

### Key Features of PMUY:

1. **Free LPG Connections**: PMUY provides eligible BPL households with a free LPG connection, which includes a gas stove, regulator, and initial cylinder.

2. **Subsidized Refills**: PMUY beneficiaries also receive subsidized LPG refills, making it affordable for them to continue using LPG for cooking.

3. **Targeted Approach**: The scheme targets women belonging to BPL households identified using socio-economic caste census (SECC) data and other criteria established by the government.

4. **Expansion of Distribution Network**: PMUY aims to expand the LPG distribution network to reach remote and rural areas, ensuring access to clean cooking fuel for all eligible households.

5. **Awareness and Behavioral Change**: PMUY includes awareness campaigns and behavioral change communication activities to promote the adoption of LPG as a clean cooking fuel and encourage safe usage practices.

6. **Support for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan**: PMUY aligns with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by promoting the use of clean cooking fuel and reducing the use of traditional biomass fuels, thereby contributing to improved sanitation and environmental health.

### Achievements of PMUY:

- Since its launch, PMUY has made significant strides in expanding LPG coverage and increasing the penetration of clean cooking fuel in rural and remote areas.

- Millions of BPL households, especially women, have benefitted from free LPG connections under PMUY, leading to improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

- PMUY has contributed to a reduction in indoor air pollution-related health hazards, particularly respiratory diseases, among women and children.

- The scheme has also empowered women by providing them with access to clean cooking fuel, enabling them to lead healthier, safer, and more productive lives.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the challenge of household air pollution and improving the lives of millions of women and their families across India.